Salaries at UC San Diego

At the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), salary expectations for faculty and staff are determined by a variety of factors including role, academic rank, years of experience, and field of expertise. As part of the University of California system, UCSD adheres to structured pay scales that are often tied to public sector guidelines. The university provides a level of transparency by publishing salary bands and ranges for many positions through the UC system's public databases, although specific individual salaries may vary based on additional funding, grants, or negotiated terms. These ranges are periodically updated to reflect cost-of-living adjustments and market competitiveness in the San Diego area.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $70,000–$90,000 USD per year, depending on the department and research focus. Entry-level roles may start lower but often increase with tenure track progression.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $90,000–$120,000 USD annually. Mid-career faculty may receive additional compensation through research grants or administrative duties.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $120,000–$200,000+ USD per year, with senior faculty in high-demand fields like engineering or medicine often at the higher end due to external funding and prestige.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Program Coordinator): Salaries generally range from $50,000–$80,000 USD per year, influenced by experience and the scope of responsibilities.
• Research Scientist: Average range is $60,000–$100,000 USD annually, often supplemented by grant funding or project-specific bonuses.

Salaries at UCSD are generally competitive within the public university sector, particularly when compared to other institutions in the UC system. As a public university, compensation is often benchmarked against state and national standards, ensuring a degree of fairness and transparency. However, progression to higher salary brackets typically requires achieving tenure, securing external funding, or taking on leadership roles. While UCSD offers robust benefits and job security, salaries in certain high-cost fields may lag behind private sector equivalents due to public funding constraints. For the most accurate and up-to-date figures, individuals are encouraged to consult official UC system resources or department-specific data.